Tyrol travel guide - Wikitravel 14 Get out Tyrol (German: Tirol) is a multi-national historical region located in the heart of the Alps in Austria and Italy. It consists of North, East, and South Tyrol. North and East Tyrol lie in Austria and together make up the Austrian federal-state of Tyrol with its capital in Innsbruck . North and East Tyrol are a bit of an oddity as they do not share a common frontier. This is a direct result of history, South Tyrol , despite its German speaking majority, has been part of Italy since the end of World War I. It makes up the northern portion of the alpine Italian autonomous province Trentino-Alto Adige with its capital in Bolzano (Italian) or Bozen (German). Together the two provinces make up historic Tyrol. Understand[ edit ] Like its sister provinces of Bavaria in Germany and Salzburgerland in Austria, the Tyrol is the very definition of the Germanic Alpine stereotype. Full of romantic lakes and castles and beer drinking lederhosen clad locals playing ump-papa music and marching in bands, the place can seem a bit fairy tale to the visitor at times because it is!

Innsbruck and Bolzano/Bozen are the only real "bigger" cities making it a natural paradise too. The roads get clogged with tourists however in the summer and winter months. South Tyrol sits on the sunny side of the Alps and is an interesting mix of three cultures making a special place in Europe. Talk[ edit ] As in nearly all of Austria, Austro-Bavarian is the main everyday spoken language of Tyrol (except in Reutte district where it is Alemannic). The Tyrolean dialect is even often tricky to understand for residents of eastern Austria (including Vienna) let alone from northern Germany. But, as in all of Austria, standard (Austrian) German is the official language used in all official publications and schools, so the vast majority speaks it, and in Innsbruck basically everyone is fluent. English is spoken by most educated middle aged and young people, and Italian is also quite prevalent due to the proximity of the South Tyrolian border and a small immigrant community in Innsbruck.

By air[ edit ] There is an international airport in Innsbruck (ICAO code: LOWI) which has schedules to Vienna , Frankfurt , London , Amsterdam , Graz , Nice , Hannover , Stavanger , Alghero , Gothenburg and Olbia . Schedules may differ in winter. SkyEurope was a discount airline that flies to Innsbruck. However, FlyNiki/Airberlin have started on offering reaseonably priced flight from Vienna and Cologne . The Munich Airport, 2.5 hours away, is another alternative. There are vans that will meet you at the Munich Airport and take you directly to your lodging in or around Innsbruck for the price of a comparable train ticket. There is also an airfield in St. Johann in Tirol (ICAO code: LOIJ), with a 750 m asphalt runway. By train[ edit ] Considering the topography rail connections are impressive and a highly senic and relaxing way to see the Tyrol. Trains also connect the "three Tyrols" via rail and tunnels. Innsbruck has connections to all major cities in Austria such as Vienna , Graz , Salzburg , Linz and Bregenz .

There is a 3 hourly connection between Munich and Innsbruck with stops in Kufstein , Wörgl and Jenbach . Get around[ edit ] Www.vvt.at is the official source of information about Tyrol's public transport systems. There are links to all the latest downloadable maps here , with a German-English transport glossary to help you understand them. For longer-distance travel throughout Austria, see . Tyrol | Define Tyrol at Dictionary.com Tyrol [ti-rohl, tahy-, tahy-rohl; German tee-rohl] /tɪˈroʊl, taɪ-, ˈtaɪ roʊl; German tiˈroʊl/ Spell an alpine region in W Austria and N Italy: a former Austrian crown land. 2. a province in W Austria. 4883 sq. mi. (12,645 sq. km). Capital: Innsbruck. Examples from the Web for Tyrol Expand Historical Examples For that fortress the whole campaign had been waged, and three Austrian armies had been hurled back into Tyrol and Friuli.

Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Literature Ontario Ministry of Education See, there is the signal from Pfunds, and the whole Tyrol will be up! British Dictionary definitions for Tyrol Expand noun 1. a mountainous state of W Austria: passed to the Hapsburgs in 1363; S part transferred to Italy in 1919. Capital: Innsbruck. Pop: 683 317 (2003 est). Area: 12 648 sq km (4883 sq miles) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Online Travel Guide Tirol | Holidays in Austria More about events Discover Tirol Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Tirol, both in summer and winter.

Hiking and rock climbing are popular activities in the warm summer months, while in winter many people come to Tirol for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the enchanting snowy landscape. From the Ötztal, Paznauntal, Pitztal, Zillertal and Stubaital Valleys to East Tirol, Lake Achensee, the regional capital Innsbruck and the legendary resort of Kitzbühel: Tirol’s villages, towns and regions are famous for their traditional customs and celebrations as well as for being home to museums and other cultural attractions of the highest quality. Local inns are the ideal place to sample some of the delicious local specialties and relax after a long day out and about in the fresh air. And when things hot up in summer, there are plenty of crystal clear lakes to cool off, let your thoughts wander and simply lose yourself in the moment. Experience the mountains of Tirol in winter Visit Tirol, Austria Order Tirol Tirol attracts visitors from all over the world to get the best out of both worlds - the urban sophistication of Innsbruck, its capital city and the spectacular Alpine playground around it.

Rugged peaks, rolling Alpine pastures, picturesque valleys, spectacular glaciers all make for the stunning scenic beauty of Tirol . Its friendly people, a long history in hospitality and a great infrastructure make Tirol a truly unique destination. The overwhelming beauty of Austria’s third largest province is spectacular. One of Tirol's biggest claims to fame are its 500 mountain peaks that rise more than 3,000 meters (9800 feet) above sea level. These sky-scraping peaks and awe-inspring mountain ranges dominate the Alpine landscape of Tirol’s five main regions: Außerfern, Oberland and Unterland, Innsbruck and East Tirol. Tirol has a total area of 12,648 km2 (4,883.4 square miles), of which only some 1,580 km2 (610 square miles) are inhabitable due to the country’s mountainous terrain. More than a quarter of the provincial area is a nature reserve. Tirol has a population of over 700,000 (living in 279 communities, eleven of which are towns).

Tirol's largest city is its capital, Innsbruck , which is located near the geographic center. Explore the mountains surrounding Innsbruck, and get the best of both worlds—the urban sophistication of a historic city and an Alpine playground that begins where the sidewalks end. Experiences in Tirol Innsbruck & Tyrol (Austria) Sightseeing Guide & Travel Information Mountains, Monasteries & More to See in Tyrol Innsbruck has a late medieval city centre. In the 15th century, it was made a "Residenzstadt", a centre for representation and administration, by Emperor Maximilian I. He built a balcony with a golden roof called "Goldenes Dachl", which is still the main attraction of the town. Explore the narrow alleys and ancient courts for a while, go down to the river and the triumph arch ("Triumphbogen") that Empress Maria Theresia built in 1655. Austria′s "mother of the nation" was very fond of Innsbruck.

A little later, around 1800, Napoleon gave the Tyrolians a hard time fighting him; in this "finest hour", the Tyrolian freedom fighter Andreas Hofer resisted the French and Bavarians in a guerrilla war as sort of a Bravehart in Lederhosen. His army, consisting mostly of local farmers, peasants and some regular troops of Austria that helped them out, fought viciously even when Austria itself had already surrendered. Andreas Hofer was eventually found through a traitor and shot. Today, a museum in Innsbruck will tell you more about these events - don′t ignore them, they are key to Tyrolean patriotism and you will find references to Hofer and his men on every corner in the province. Touristy impressions straight from Tyrol's capital Innsbruck: Mountains, Medieval buildings and lanes alongside with a lot of local pride and tradition. Simply Tyrol. To learn more about the legendary Imperial army regiment of the "Kaiserschützen" ("Emperor′s Rifles"), go to the south of Innsbruck. There′s a museum dedicated to this other generation of non-pacifist Tyroleans.

Just next to the museum, there′s a ski jump. If there are no sport events, you can go up and enjoy a great view on Innsbruck and the Inn Valley. For an even better view, try the Hafelekar on the opposite side of the valley (you can either walk for a few hours, or take a cable car for a few minutes - I did the latter). Day-trips out of Innsbruck & more Tyrol For suggestions for excursions into the surrounding Tyrol, please see my separate list of day-trips from Innsbruck . Nearby Schloss Ambras Castle near Innsbruck is probably Austria′s finest Renaissance palace. Being used to this style from Italy, it is fascinating to explore an alpine variation of the theme. In the other direction, the pretty town of Stams makes a good day-trip destination. The "Swarovski Kristallwelten" in Wattens will be good fun for crystal lovers. Tyrol also has access to the National Park Hohe Tauern and a few monasteries worth a visit. Ö Further from the capital, you will find plenty of pretty market towns, such as Schwaz or Hall .

The Lake Achensee is an important recreational centre and considered to be the "Sea of Tyrol", with towns such as Eben being among the most popular in all of Austria. In the other direction, Imst is a good base for exploring the Eastern mountains of Tyrol. South of Innsbruck you find the dramatic Stubaital and the popular town Neustift - ideal for glacial summer skiing . Other important valleys of Tyrol incldue the Pitztal , �tztal , Lechtal , Brixental and the Kaisergebirge mountain range. The villages in remote areas of Tyrol can be very scenic, as long as they are not too much transformed by hiking and skiing tourism - at worst visible in towns like Ischgl . Rattenberg and Alpbach (where the famous European Forum takes place every year), Reutte and Ehrwald are such villages. In Eastern Tyrol, Lienz is probably the most attractive town. Seefeld claims to be the Austrian capital of hiking and mountaineering. Even just outside Innsbruck you can find charming mountain huts . The Zillertal is an entire valley full of pretty places, most prominently Mayrhofen .

Note the towns of Wörgl and Tannheim im Tannheimertal . See also my list of communities in Tyrol and my Innsbruck Webcams , as well as my article on festivals and events in Tyrol and the advice on " Tyrol with Children ". Tyrol Encyclopedia > Places > Germany, Scandinavia, and Central Europe > Austria Political Geography Tyrol Tyrol (tĭrˈŏl, tĪrōlˈ) [ key ], Ger. Tirol, region and province (1991 pop. 631,410), 4,882 sq mi (12,644 sq km), W Austria. Innsbruck is the capital. The southern section of the historic region are now in Italy. Bordering on Germany in the north and on Italy and Switzerland in the south, it is an almost wholly Alpine region, traversed by the Inn River. The main part of the province is separated from the fertile East Tyrol (Ger. Osttirol ) by a corridor belonging partly to Italy and partly to Salzburg prov., Austria.

The Tyrolean Alps, which culminate in the Ötztal Alps , are famed for their idyllic beauty and attract many tourists, thus supplementing income from the exploitation of the province's limited natural resources. Tourist centers include Kitzbühel, Kufstein, Sankt Anton, and Zell am See. Pasture farming, cattle raising, forestry, and dairy farming are the main occupations in the rural areas. Some industry is located at Innsbruck, Landeck, and Kufstein, including chemical, electrochemical, and pharmaceutical manufactures. The saltworks near Solbad Hall are an important source of revenue. The now little-worked silver and copper mines of Tyrol, known since antiquity, and its strategic position commanding the Brenner Pass across the Alps gave the region a fairly important role in European history. The Tyrol was inhabited by Rhaetic tribes when it was conquered (15 B.C.) by the Romans. It was invaded (6th cent. A.D.) by Teutonic tribes, the Baiovarii and the Lombards, and later by the Franks, who held all Tyrol by the 8th cent.

Large parts of S Tyrol (now in Italy) were ruled from the 11th cent. to 1802–3 by the bishops of Trent and by the bishops of Brixen (see Bressanone ). The two bishoprics were secularized and fell to Austria in consequence of the Peace of Lunéville (1801) between France and Austria. The northern section (constituting the present Tyrol), first divided into petty counties, was united under the counts of Tyrol and passed, with the abdication (1363) of Margaret Maultasch , to Austria and the Hapsburgs. In 1805 the Treaty of Pressburg awarded all Tyrol to Napoleon's ally, Bavaria, but when war broke out (1809) between France and Austria the Tyrolean peasants, led heroically by Andreas Hofer , rose in revolt and stubbornly defied the French and Bavarian troops. In 1810, Napoleon, at variance with Maximilian I of Bavaria, attached most of S Tyrol to Italy. Both parts were restored (1815) to Austria by the Congress of Vienna.

The Treaty of Saint-Germain (1919) awarded S Tyrol (the predominantly German-speaking province of Bolzano and the predominantly Italian-speaking province of Trento) to Italy. The ruthless Italianization policy of the Fascist government created much unrest and friction in the period between the two World Wars, and the situation remained unsettled until the 1970s (see Trentino–Alto Adige ). The Italian constitution of 1947 gave South Tyrol the status of an autonomous region, with full protection of minority rights, but real autonomy was not achieved until 1972. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. Austrian provinces and capitals - Vienna & Austria Tourist Information Austrian provinces and capitals Car Rental Burgenland The total area of the easternmost province of Austria is 3 965, 46 km.. To the northeast it borders with Hungary. Its capital city is Eisenstadt. The province consists of 7 districts and 2 cities (Eisenstadt and Rust). The great majority of the inhabitants is German. Once the province belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary.

Despite the Turkish attacks plenty of castles, churches and fortresses remained. The cultural centre of Burgenland is Eisenstadt. Also Joseph Haydn worked here for years. This province is not the most prominent one concerning tourism but bicycle tours are notable in throughout the region. Eisenstadt: The city is located 12 km far from Sopron (Hungarian border). Once it was the centre of the iron trade. In Eisenstadt it is worth visiting the Esterh�zy castle, the Haydn Museum, the Franciscan church and cloister as well as the dome. Most important sights of the region: Neusiedlersee, the Esterh�zy castle and the Haydn Museum in Eisenstadt, the castle of Forchtenstein and G�ssing, the castle ruins of Landsee, the gothic church of Mariasdorf Carinthia Carinthia famous for its mountain ranges and lakes is the southernmost province of Austria. The total area of the province is 9 535, 97 km., its capital city is Klagenfurt. The majority of the inhabitants of this region are German-speaking people.

W�rther See the famous lake of Carinthia located west from Klagenfurt drags a lot of tourists to the region during the summer. Except for W�rther See the following lakes are also popular: Millst�tter See, Ossiacher See and Wei�ensee. In addition to the lakes mountains and alpine landscapes are also beloved by the tourists in summer. The most popular ski centres of the province are Bad Kelinkirchheim, Nassfeld, Innerkrems and Gerlitzen. Klagenfurt: The city is situated at the eastern part of the lake W�rther See. The summer is usually very hot and winter is long and very cold. During the past years the city burned down and was rebuilt several times so today it is a modern city. The symbol of Klagenfurt is a dragon (Lindwurm). The most important sights of the city are: the Minimundus, the Lindwurm fountain, Hochosterwitz castle and the baroque cathedral. Most important sights of the region: Klagenfurt and Villach, St.

Paul's abbey in Lavanttal, lakes: W�rther See, Ossiacher See, Faaker See and Millst�tter See, ski centres: Nassfeld/Hermagor, Gerlitzen, Bad Kleinkirchheim and Heiligenblut, Gurk cathedral, Hochosterwitz castle, Gro�glockner the highest mountain of Ausztria and the area of Nockberge. Lower Austria The largest province with its area of 19 177,78 km. is located at the north-eastern part of Austria. Its capital is St. A province is divided into the following regions: Waldviertel ("Forest quarter") and Weinviertel ("Vine quarter") Industrieviertel, ("Industry quarter") and Mostviertel ("Must quarter"). Mostviertel and the bigger cultural centres are the most popular among with the tourists. On the other hand rural tourism is also improving. In winter the ski centres attract a lot of people to the area. The highlights of Lower Austria are the cloisters, castles, museums, exhibitios, open-air stages, organisations as well as festivals. St.

P�lten: The city is located in the south-western part of the region in the Mostviertel ("Must quarter"). During the past 20 years St. P�lten became the cultural centre of Lower Austria. Int he city it is worth visiting the City hall, the dome, the Franciscan church, the Ochsenburg castle, the City Museum and the Bishop's court. Most important sights of the region: Cloisters (Melk, D�rnstein, Seitenstetten, G�ttweig, Klosterneuburg, Zwettl), castles with constant exhibitions (Schallaburg, Schloss Grafenegg, Schloss Th�rnthal, Schloss Wilfersdorf, Schloss Hof), StateMuseum of Lower Austria, the roman excavations in Caruntumban, the Prehistory Museum, open-air stages in Berndorf, Stockerau, Langenlois and Rosenburg Upper Austria Upper Austria is located in the northern part of Austria in the Danube valley. The total area of the region is 11.981,92 km. and its capital is Linz.

It is the province of the mysterious forests, clear lakes and streams, green fields, water and mountain ranges. You can find the Kalkalpen National Park and the Rechberg National Park in this area. The region favours those tourists who are fond of adventure, hiking or bycicle tours. The 170m deep Attersee the clearest lake of Austria is located also in Upper Austria. It is also worth visiting Hallstatt, the town close to which a roman burying-place can be found as well as the Aistersheim Water Castle, the Castle of Greinburg and the Cloister of Kremsm�nster. Linz: Linz the third biggest city of Austria is divided into two parts by the Danube River. In 2009 Linz will be the cultural capital of Europe. The city awaits the tourists with plenty of sights such as the Main square, the Old dome, the State Museum of Upper Austria, the Castle, the Bishop's Palace and the Botanical Garden.

Most important sights of the region: Linz, Hallstatt, lakes in the region of Salzkammergut , Kalkalpen National Park, Rechberg National Park, State Museum of Upper Austria, Ars Electronica Center, the Gahberg Observatoty, the caves of Dachstein Salzburg Salzburg located at the northern part of the Alps is one of the smallest provinces of Austria. The total area of the province is 7154,23 km.. Its capital is also called Salzburg. This region offers plenty of programmes for the visitors. You can find the Eisriesenwelt, the largest system of ice caves of Europe, the Krimml waterfall and a lot of salt mines in this province. The two world famous spa towns of Ausztria Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein await those who would like to relax enjoying pleasant water. In winter you can choose among various ski areas such as Sportwelt Amad� (St.

Johann im Pongau, Flachau, Zauchensee, Wagrain), Hochk�nig Winterreich (Dienten ma Hochk�nig, Maria Alm), Europasportregion (Kaprun, Zell am See), Saalbach Hinterglemm, Obertauern, Gasteinertal (Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Dorfgastein), Wildkogel Arena (Neukirchen am Gro�venediger), Werfenweng and Lofer. Salzburg: The town is also called Mozartstadtnak (Mozart-town) is nevezik. The famous composer was born here and spent half his life in the town. Salzburg is one of the oldest towns in Austria with a significant cultural background. For instance you can find Hellbrunner Allee the oldest alley of the world and Festung Hohensalzburg the biggest fortress of Central Europe here. In the town there are altogether 39 conservation areas (eg. Kapuzinerberg, Salzachsee, Saalachspitz, M�nschberg, Reinberg) and only one nature reservation the Hammerauer Moor.

If you visit Salzburg it is worth visiting the Old Town, the Hellbrunn castle, the Hellbrunn alley, the Mozart monument, the Town Hall square, the Mirabell castle with its beautiful garden, the dome of Salzburg, the Franciscan church. Most important sights of the region: Eisriesenwelt, the waterfall of Krimml, spas in Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, the ski areas, Salzkammergut, Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Liechtensteinklamm, Salzburg, Kapuzinerberg, the lakes: Wallersee, Zellersee, Mattsee, Wolfgangsee, the Mirabell castle and garden, Hellbrunn castle and alley, the Mozart monument Styria Styria is situated at the south-eastern part of Austria. Its capital is Graz. The region with its toatl area of 16,388 km. is the second largest Austrian province. Styria consists of Upper Styria, West Styria and East Styria. The province has three main rivers, the Enns, the Mura and the Raba.

The region is very rich in forests that is why it has been the logging centre of Austria. It is a favourable destination among the hunters and tourists. It is worth visiting the Schloss Herbstein Zoo and Nature Park in Stubenberg am See. You can find the largest cheetah population of Europe in this ZOO. The most popular castle of the region is the Schloss Eggenberg in Graz. One of the tourist attractions of Styria is the Riegersburg, the history of which dates back to the 11th century. Graz: With its four universities Graz is one of the most important university cities of Austria. The city is divided into two parts by the River Mura and is surrounded by mountains. In 2003 it was the Cultural Capital of Europe. The old Town of Graz belongs to the World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO. The main sights of the city are also located here. These are for example the Schlossberg, the City Hall, the City Park and the Opera House, the Botanical Garden and the Franciscan church. It is worth visiting also the Eggenberg Castle surrounded by a beautiful park. The city gives home for numerous festivals and organisations every year.

These are for example the Spring Festival, the Jazz-Summer Graz, the Styriarte etc. Most important sights of the region: Schloss Herbstein Zoo and Nature Park, the Riegersburg, the Obenkapfenberg Castle, the Schlossberg in Graz, the Dachstein mountain, the Mariatrost Basilika in Graz, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, the House of Arts, the castle ruins in G�sting, the Dome in Graz, the City Museum in Graz Tyrol Tyrol is located at the western part of Austria. Its capital is Innsbruck. In Austria there are only 2 parts of Tyrol situated in Austria. These are North and East Tyrol. You can find the Grossglockner one of the highest mountain ranges in this region. 40% of the total area of the province is covered with forests. The best ski resorts such as Kitzb�hel, Wilder Kaiser, Ischgl and St. Anton offer a pleasant winter holiday for everyone. The mountains offer furthermore hiking paths. The province favours the fans of water sports also. Many people visit Tyrol because of its cultural organizations and events.

Innsbruck: Innsbruck is the fifth biggest city of Austria. The city hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. Innsbruck attracts the tourists in winter and summer as well. It is worth visiting the Hofburg, the Ambras Castle, the Ottoburg and the Wilten Basilica in the city centre. Also make an excursion to the 2000m high Seegrube. From the top you can enjoy the beautiful panorama in summer and in winter as well. Most important sights of the region: Grossglockner, Seegrube, Hofburgot, Ambras Castle, Ottoburg, Wilten Basilica, Rafoldi Park, Land Museum of Tyrol, Maria Theresia Street Vorarlberg Vorarlberg is the westernmost and the second smallest province of Austria. Its capital is Bregenz and its largest city is Dornbirn the centre of the textiles. In this city it is worth visiting the Land Museum of Voralrberg and the Rolls Royce Museum. The province is located between the Arlberg Mountain and the Lake Boden.

The highest mountain of the region is the Piz Buin with its 3.312 m height. The delta of the Rhine is the favourite relaxing and breeding place of many bird species. The province offers numerous recreation possibilities. It has approx. 300 km of cycle track. The Festive Games of Bregenz are organized every summer at the Lake Constance. You can find the Pf�nder Mountain near Bregenz to which you can get in 10 minutes using the lift. Take a walk in the animal park and watch a real show of raptorial birds. Bregenz: The city was funded on a plateau 2000 years ago. Sometime Romans lived here. The city consists of 2 parts: the Upper City and the Lower City. The Upper city with the original city wall from the 16th century is the older part. Its main sight is the St. Martin Tower. The City Hall built in 1686 can be found in the Lower City. With its numerous theatres and galleries the city is the cultural centre of the province.

Most important sights of the region: Lake Boden, Lake Constance, Piz Buin Mountain, Pf�nder Mountain, Dornbirn, Rolls Royce Museum, Land Museum of Vorarlberg, Festive Games of Bregenz, the St. Martin tower in Bregenz, the City Hall, the St. Gallus church Vienna Vienna is the smallest province and the capital of Austria. The city is a venue of many international congresses and fares. It is also the political and cultural centre of the country. The city is located in the Valley of Vienna and it is divided into 2 parts by the River Danube. Vienna has 23 districts of which the 1st district is the Old Town. Due to its historical and cultural values the city is a beloved tourist destination. Many people visit Vienna in December because the Christmas markets and the balls are organized in this month. Most of the sights of the city can be visited all year. The landmark of Vienna is the 97 m high St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom). The Hofburg, which consists of 18 buildings is situated at the Heroes Square (Heldenplatz).

As Vienna is the city of music annually numerous concerts, operas, operettas are presented in the State Opera House (Staatsoper), in the Folk Theatre (Volksoper), in the Concert House and in the Institutes of the Musikverein. Those who are interested in the art works can choose among various galleries and museums such as the Albertina, the Art Histoty Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum), the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), the Belvedere or the Leopold Museum. Many parks and gardens offer possibility to relax in the city: the Stadtpark, the Burggarten, the Volksgarten (part of the Hofburg), the Schlo�park at the Belvedere Castlel, the Donaupark, the park of the Sch�nbrunn Castle, the Prater, the Augarten and the Rathauspark at the City Hall. The north-western part of Vienna is called D�bling and it is famous for wine growing and wine (heurige). The other curiositie of Viennese culture are the nuerous caf�s offering various coffe specialities.

The Mariahilferstrasse with a lot of caf�s, shops and restaurants is the main shopping street of the city. Most important sights of the region: St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), Hofburg, State Opera House (Staatsoper), Volksoper, Albertina, Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum), Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum), Belvedere, Leopold Museum, Spanish Riding School, Stadtpark, Prater, Sch�nbruni Castle and ZOO, Museum Quarter, Mariahilferstrasse, City Hall (Rathaus) South Tyrol: Conflicting Ethnicity Conflicting Ethnicity Sonja Steinbrech - School of International Service - International Communication American University I. CASE BACKGROUND 1. Abstract : Elements of ethnic and environmental conflict have been present in the northern Italian Province of South Tyrol since Roman times. The area holds an extremely important north/south alpine passage and is at the intersection of many different cultures and languages. The Brenner Pass remains an important commercial route, and the surrounding area of South Tyrol is renowned amongst outdoor sports enthusiasts and international tourists alike.

Mild ethnic conflict existed between resident mountain populations for centuries, but the principle clash of cultures came during and after WWII when the local German-speaking population was inundated with Italian-speakers during Mussolini's relocation program created to ï¿½Italianizeï¿½ the north. 2. Description: History: Co-governance is encapsulated in the one region, two province system that exists today in South Tyrol. The Province (Sud Tyrol in German and Alto-Adige in Italian) is generally German-speaking, while the Trentino to the south is Italian-speaking. The two provinces are also under the umbrella regional governance of The Region of Trentino/Sud Tyrol (Trentino/Alto-Adige in Italian). In the past, violence has erupted in the Region, mainly in the Province of South Tyrol , over the rights of the German ethnic minority and the willingness of some to return to the ancient borders of Tyrol . These political borders encompassed the Austrian area of Innsbruck and the Italian area of Bolzano , which even today some say would provide a more ethnically suitable governance. The general cultural environment within the Province of South Tyrol has been in a constant state of flux throughout history.

The ï¿½Germanizationï¿½ of the resident population was carried out during the reign of the Hapsburg Empire and consisted of the enculturation of diverse populations in various valleys throughout the southern Alps. In the 1930's, after making a pact with Hitler, Benito Mussolini mandated the mass relocation of southern Italians into South Tyrol . Those residents who declared themselves of German heritage were forced to relocate into the area of the Third Reich and the ï¿½Italianizationï¿½ the Province began. German-speaking churches and schools were closed and laws were passed banning the use of the language or any outward expression of the former German culture. Years of State suppression brought German activists boiling to center of South Tyrolean society with acts of terror committed against public and private targets in the 1960s. The negotiation that followed these actions ultimately resulted in the passage of equal rights laws for the German-speaking minority and the special jurisdiction of Autonomous Province of South Tyrol within an Autonomous Region of Italy. Many argue that from this point forward, the special status of the German-speaking population within Italy has caused an unbalanced distribution of funds from the central government of Italy .

In some sense, it seems to be another cycle of the ï¿½Germanizationï¿½ of South Tyrol . Modern-day: The population of South Tyrol is 464,530, with 63 inhabitants per square kilometer (Office of Statistics for the Province of Bolzano, 2002). Most of the population lies in the central metropolitan area of Bolazano and in the low-laying valleys of the mountainous Province. The German-speaking majority makes up 70% of the population, while Italian and Ladin-speaking residents make up 26% and 4% of the population respectively (South Tyrol Census, 2001) The majority of South Tyroleans work in the service sector which employs 68% of the population. The ï¿½Secondary Sector', which consists of industry workers and artisans, makes up 28% of the labor force, while only 4% of employment in South Tyrol is in the ï¿½Third Sector' which is defined as agriculture and forestry. This final statistic is somewhat surprising given the strong apple industry in the Province.

South Tyrol is the largest producer of apples in Europe and annually provides 12% of the continental production (EURES, 2002). One explanation of this phenomenon might be the large number of workers that come from outside the European Community every season. In 2001, 6,000 seasonal workers were employed for the cultivation and processing of apples. Within the public sphere, however, the labor environment is controlled by affirmative action based on resident populations. Of every 20 jobs provided within the public sector, 14 will go to German-speakers, 5 will go to Italian-speakers, and 1 will go to a Ladin-speaker (South Tyrol Census, 2001). Some view these actions as reverse discrimination in a Province where the government controls many lucrative sectors within the territory, including major tourism projects and hydroelectric power centers. Others view these affirmative action labor plans, and aid from the central Italian government, as not enough. Separatist parties also exist in South Tyrol .

The ï¿½Union Fur Sudtirol' and the ï¿½ Freiheitlichen ' (Freiheitlichen, 2004) have recently been in the news for their ï¿½no-Italian-language' stance in German primary schools (Union for South Tyrol, 2004). The European Union has provided great opportunities for populations to reach outside State boarders to create relationships with other communities free of national control. Enculturation of communities within Europe will continue in the future and minority populations in some cases will have the chance to assert their culture and rights within a majority population. In some cases minorities will become majorities and in the case of South Tyrol, Italy, the Italians seem to again be the minority. Environment: The rich resources of South Tyrol contribute to its affluent condition within the State of Italy. The area, nestled in the Italian Alps, is peppered with world-class ski resorts and some of the most impressive scenery in this part of Europe. There is a strong agricultural sector exporting apples and grapes amongst other fruits, while the artisan culture of wine and cheese is also vibrant. Tourism is a principle revenue source and the industry is motored by all ethnicities in the Province.

Finally, the Brenner Pass is the deepest valley in the Alps and therefore has been an important passageway since Roman times. The historic importance of the area is further illustrated by the debate surrounding the recent discovery of Otzi the Iceman . The Pass begins in Trentino and cuts principally through South Tyrol ending in Austria . Currently the Italian state controls the majority of the passageway but if a state based on the borders of ancient Tyrol were to be constructed, the Pass would no longer be under Italian jurisdiction. Click to see English translation There are several committees that exist within the European Union created to address ethnic conflict issues. The Committee of the Regions is a prominent force within the EU and Trentino/South Tyrol is a vocal part of the membership. Growth of the EU and its respective committees may dilute the issues of ethnic conflict but also provides a venue for ethnic minorities to strengthen their cause at the continental level. The development of the EU may suggest an alternative organization to the one region, two province system that would better address the needs of diverse ethnicities and the environment in which they live. 3. Duration: Ongoing 4. Location: Europe; Southern Europe; Italy 5.

Actors: Various Ethnic Groups; Italian, German, Ladin 6. Type of Problem: Civil 7. Environmental Attributes: Cool 8. Cultural/Political Background: The DeGasperi-Gruber Agreement of 1946 lead to the creation of the Autonomous Region of Trentino-South Tyrol. The agreement facilitated measures to protect and maintain the economic and cultural characteristics of both provinces, including reinstating German as a language of instruction in public schools. The year before the Agreement , the Sudtiroler Volkspartei -SVP (the people's party of South Tyrol ) was formed to advocate re-incorporation of South Tyrol into Austria and later became a voice for the minority populations of the province. Minority should be understood in the national sense rather than the provincial sense given the German-speaking population is in fact a majority in South Tyrol . Ladin-speakers can be seen as a minority in both senses. Despite the separatist tendencies of the SVP, the party was recognized by the Allies as the political representative of the German-speaking population of South Tyrol . South Tyrol is governed by Regional councils as well as a Provincial Assembly.

The dominant party within the Assembly represents the German-speaking population but the president alternates twice each term between an Italian-speaking representative and a German-speaking representative. The Assembly also chooses two vice-presidents for the Provincial Government, one from each of the two dominant linguistic groups. Each of the three linguistic groups is given representation in the Assembly roughly based on ethnic presence in the Province(see Table 1). Ethnic Representation in the Provincial Assembly in 1998 Linguistic Group Table 1 - source: Official website of the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol The 1972 Statute of Provincial Autonomy identifies the official languages of the Province and regulates their use in public institutions (d.P.R. 31 August 1972 , No. 670). With this statute German does not replace the former official language of Italian but rather, German is on a par with Italian and both are official languages. Official documents are published in German and Italian and instruction in public schools is in both languages. Though students are not obligated to attend a public school with instruction primarily in their native tongue, most do. The question arises about presence of these virtually monolinguistic scholastic environments and whether they promote integration.

The goal of using mother-tongue instruction is meant to preserve the unique cultural and linguistic heritage of diverse ethnic groups within an atmosphere of integration, yet families continue to self-segregate into familiar ethnic environs. Each year a census is conducted and citizens are asked to identify themselves based on ethnic/linguistic heritage (see Table 2). This data is then processed to allocate public sector employment, funds for public instruction, and political representation. In the last century there has been a visible wave in ethnic identification between those who identify themselves as Italian and those who identify themselves as German-origin. German self-identifiers remain the largest group throughout. A large decrease in the German-speaking population can be seen between 1921 and 1961, and a gradual increase from the decade of the 1970s onward. Table 2 - source: ASTAT: Statistical Services, Autonomous Province of Bolzano III. Conflict Aspects 9. Type of Conflict: Ethnic Employment Data: Unemployment in South Tyrol in 2002 was at a relatively low rate of 2.2%.

The majority of employment is in the service sector where 109,355 of 160,255 (68.2%) workers were employed (Europaregion of Tirol-Sudtirol/Alto Adige-Trentino, 2004). Employment in agricultural sector is higher than the European average and in 2002, 6,430 (4%) of the workforce was positioned in this sector. Employment in the public sphere is regulated by census results and is allocated according to the ethnic identification of census respondents (see Table 3). The 2001 repartition of public positions shows the growth in German representation from the above ethnic identification chart. In 2001, 27 out of every 100 public positions available were allocated to Italians, 69 to Germans, and 4 to Ladins. Though the increase is slight, when paired with the increasing ethnic identification of German-origin in the Province, an upward trend can be seen.

Allocation of Public Positions in 2001 Public Positions Table 3 - source: 2001 Census of South Tyrol , Italy Tourism Data: In 2003, 2,744,652 visitors arrived in South Tryol . Despite the national identity of the Province, the majority of these visitors were German-speaking (see Figure 1). Geographic position and optimum tourist facilities could explain the draw these people have to the area. The zone is easily accessible from Austria and Switzerland and tourism is centered on mountain culture that is more similar to its Germanic neighbors than to its Italian co-nationals. Sustained tourism from German speaking countries most likely serves to enforce strong ethnic identity of the German population in South Tyrol and more research is yet to be done to illustrate the effects of this tourism on local ethnic divisions. The following chart illustrates the strong presence of German over Italian speaking tourists in the Province. Figure 1 - source: Summer 2003 Statistical Data for Tourism; Province of South Tyrol 10. Level of Conflict: Low 11. Fatality Level of Dispute: Minor fatalities in the 1960's. IV.

Environment-Conflict Overlap: 12. Environment-Conflict Link and Dynamics 13. Level of Strategic Interest: Region 14. Outcome of Dispute: Stalemate 15. Related ICE and TED Cases : Iceman ï¿½ Honduras/El Salvador Border Study ï¿½ Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka ï¿½ Ethnic Conflict in Kalimantan - 16. Sources, Relevant Websites and Literature: European Job Portal: Euroregion of Tyrol/South Tyrol/Trentino Freiheitlichen Official Site: Official Site of the Province of Bolzano: Province of Bolzano Office of Statistics: Region of Trentino/South Tyrol: Sudtiroler Landtag: Union for South Tyrol Official Website: Doob, Leonard W. ï¿½ South Tyrol : An Introduction to the Psychological Syndrome of Nationalism' Public Opinion Quarterly , Vol. 26, No. 2. (Summer, 1962), pp. 172-184. ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF INTERVIEW: "We are inside of a bilingual zone; you need to understand that Italian and German are both spoken here. My mother was German and my father was from Mirano.

I was born here in South Tyrol. I feel as if I'm Austrian, my mother was Austrian. I have Austrian blood and I've always acted this way. I'm married to an Italian woman that comes from Bari . She is now dead but I am at ease here and I won't leave this place." Authored by: Sonja Steinbrech

Question: What is the capital of the Austrian province of Tyrol?
Answer: Innsbruck